In what way/s are you involved with THE NAKED I: SELF-DEFINED?
I am directing Black Hole Queers by Jayce Koester.
Why is it important to tell the stories in THE NAKED I?
Visibility, community engagement, and healing. The vast array of individuals that make up the Queer/Trans and Queer/Trans POC community possess a plethora of experiences, stories, and identities that should be celebrated openly, validated, and given a home. Naked I is an opportunity to shape that home in a world where we find a lot of stigma and marginalization.
What aspects of your identity do you hope to express through your involvement with THE NAKED I?
My blackness, my fluidity, my femme-ness, and my creativity.
Talk about your background as an artist. What sort of artistic experience are you bringing to this production?
My performance background is primarily in ensemble acting and spoken word. But as a student at Augsburg College I studied playwriting and a bit of technical theatre. I’m bringing to this production a variety of tools and experience that I hope shines through in this awesome show.
What social issues are important to you and how do they inform your work?
Homelessness and education. Many Trans/Queer folks need accessible safe housing and educational institutions that support us instead of leave us behind. Ultimately, it all boils down to safety and I think Black Hole Queers is a piece that gives power to Trans/Queer folks to embrace themselves and simultaneously let it be known that we will not be discarded or disrespected.
What other artists or shows have inspired you?
Sha Cage. She’s been doing amazing work for years and I value and adore her tenacity as an artist and educator.
What is your favorite hangout spot and why?
I don’t really have one. I just prefer to be with/around the people I love.
When not involved in this production, how do you spend your time? What are some of your hobbies?
Writing, drawing, playing video games, reading, cooking, and spending time with people dear to me.
Tell us about your pets, real or imaginary.
I had two parakeets when I was kid that my parent got rid of because I was not responsible. I let them out of their cage to fly around the house around Christmas and they ended up resting in our Christmas tree after exploring, but they were really cute.
What other projects are you working on or hope to work on?
Hopefully just performing more and completing a chapbook, maybe even being selected for the Catalyst Series at Intermedia Arts. Those are my main artistic goals for the year.
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